U.S. 36 pavement preservation project underway

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The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) began a 22-mile pavement preservation project on U.S. 36 between Lyons and Estes Park on Aug. 3. The $1.7 million project, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), will chip seal U.S. 36 to help extend the life of the roadway.

Pavement preservation is very similar to the maintenance people conduct on a vehicle. Oil changes and tune ups help prevent larger problems from occurring so a vehicle lasts longer. Chip seals and other similar treatments prevent cracks from forming that allows water to leak into the pavement and deteriorate the base and the pavement. Once the base of a roadway is compromised, the roadway deteriorates much quicker and complete reconstruction, which is much more costly than pavement preservation, is usually necessary to bring the roadway back up to good condition.

“This stretch of U.S. 36 was last paved about four years ago and while it doesn`t look like it is in need of improvement, it is important for CDOT to conduct pavement preservation activities in order to maintain the components of our infrastructure that are in good condition,” said CDOT Resident Engineer James Flohr. “With the pavement only a few years old, we will reap the most benefits by treating the roadway now so we focus our resources on other highways in the future.”

During construction, motorists can expect single-lane alternating traffic in most locations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. A pilot car will be used to direct motorists through the work zone and the speed limit will be reduced to 40 mph. When work is not taking place, the speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph. There will also be a 12-foot width restriction for the duration of the project.

Throughout the project, delays are expected and motorists can take State Highway 7 as an alternate route. CDOT would like to remind motorists to obey all traffic signs and flaggers and to “Slow for the Cone Zone.” Most fines that occur in the work zone will be doubled.

United Companies of Mesa County, Colo. is the contractor for this project which is scheduled to be complete by the end of August 2009.

In all, Colorado will receive more than $400 million in Recovery Act funds for transportation projects and $103 million for transit projects. For more information about how Colorado is putting the Recovery Act to work, visit colorado.gov/recovery. For a list of CDOT`s Recovery Act projects, visit dot.state.co.us/arra.